Perspective Biomethane Potential and Its Utilization in the Transport Sector in the Current Situation of Latvia

Abstract

A major problem in the modern world is the overuse of fossil resources. The use of such resources and of that amount contribute negatively to the environment we live in. Fossil resources should be replaced with renewable ones. That way, less impact would be done to the environment. Renewable resources would greatly contribute to a healthy sustainable future. Latvia currently ranks seventh on the number of biogas plants per 1 million per capita (27) and is searching for new ways and opportunities to switch from the production of electricity to biomethane. Thus, in this study, a mathematical approach for the calculations of biomethane potentials and emissions of different feedstocks under the anaerobic digestion principle was studied. Databases were searched for the factual numbers of livestock animals, as well as processed sludge, and average food waste. RED II and JEC Well-To-Wheels report v5 were analyzed for data on emission factors and future obligations. Out of combined biomethane potentials of different feedstocks, livestock manure’s potential share was 91%, of which 61% is dairy cow manure. The overall biomethane potential in Latvia is 2.21 to 4.28 PJ. Replacing fossil fuels with biomethane in the transport sector could lower the overall CO2-eq emissions by 12.47–23.86% or 0.4–0.8 million tonnes.

Enhancing the Assessment of Cleaner Production Practices for Sustainable Development: The Five-Sector Sustainability Model Applied to Water and Wastewater Treatment Companies

“…While CORSAN obtained high performance for indicators within sectors 4, 5, and 6, results indicate that practices regarding prevention of water loss (indicator K 11 ) should be implemented, as well as better water and wastewater treatment (K 12 indicator) to achieve better performance for sector 1. CO 2 emissions from sewage (indicator K 21 ) and/or the use of electricity (indicator K 22 ) should also receive attention, i.e., in regard to improvements through the applications of cleaner production practices [30,31]. CORSAN's 1st place in sector 3 indicates that its net profit and the gross value added were obtained at the expense of the environment (sectors 1 and 2), and the 7th and 6th places in sectors 4 and 5, respectively, indicate that the company's relationships with employees and consumers were among the best of all companies.…”

Possible Ways of Extending the Biogas Plants Lifespan after the Feed-In Tariff Expiration

“…Dale et al [54] analyzed how to expand biomethane production sustainably and considered its potential impacts in different countries. There are also some contributions in the literature dealing with the estimation of the biomethane potential for transport purposes (see, e.g., Argalis and Vegere [55]) and studies that specifically focused on the design of strategies and support policies to boost biomethane production (see, e.g., Schmid et al [56]).…”